Gastric Band vs Gastric Bypass

?Americans are growing larger and not just in height, but in girth as well. With an estimated thirty-five percent of the nation’s citizens considered obese, it’s time for weight-challenged individuals to make changes.

Once weight has become a problem, obese Americans can employ several weight-loss options such as dieting, exercise and surgery. When considering surgery, overweight consumers must review their choices as the most common treatments are the gastric band and gastric bypass procedures.

When overweight surgical candidates consider the gastric band option, they should review the risks. Several problems with the procedure include band leakage, band shifting and erosion of the device. They may also suffer from gastrointestinal complications, which include constipation, vomiting and gas. In some cases, gastric band acquisition is responsible for limited weight loss along with adding pounds back on later.

With the lap band treatment, obese consumers will have a fast recovery along with a reduction of surgical complications as incisions are not included in the procedure. Frequently, patients can go back to work after about a week of resting.

When researchers compared the lap band procedure to gastric bypass, they discovered that after one year, patients who opted for bypass had lost more weight and were less likely to have follow-up surgeries.

After gastric bypass surgery, patients will experience pain in the stomach area and will most likely require pain medication. Also, once the surgery is complete, patients must abide by a specific diet. However, regular foods may be added back into a patient’s diet over time.

The post-surgery instructions for a gastric lap band are similar with pain management occurring through oral medication and a limited diet.

When overweight surgical candidates are considering their options regarding surgery for weight loss, they should check with their doctor and complete thorough research before making a permanent lifelong decision.